UN Security Council calls for peace talks in Burundi

Tuesday, 11 August 2015 7:50 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 12 August 2015 11:35 AM ]

A protestor opposed to Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third term bid brandishes a rock as he stands beside a burning vehicle during a demonstration in the capital, Bujumbura, May 26, 2015. (© AFP)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called on the opposition and the government in Burundi to hold peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing political turmoil in the African country.

The 15-member council on Monday threw its weight behind proposals by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to send a high-level UN official on an urgent mission to help settle the crisis in Burundi.

The appeal for dialogue came after senior UN officials voiced alarm over rising violence in Burundi during a closed-door emergency meeting.

“Council members expressed deep concern on the political and security situation in Burundi and called for the immediate resumption of inclusive dialogue in order to achieve a lasting peace,” Nigerian Ambassador Joy Ogwu told reporters following the meeting.

The ambassador, whose country holds the council’s presidency, said Ban would be sending an envoy to Burundi soon, but declined to give reporters a specific date.

Presidential ambitions & violence

The recent killing of a top general and the attempted murder of a leading human rights activist in Burundi are seen by the UNSC as a dangerous escalation in the conflict in the African country.

Burundi has been rocked by violence since April, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his bid for a third term in office.

Burundian demonstrators in the capital, Bujumbura, throw stones during a protest against President Pierre Nkurunziza, June 24, 2015. (© AFP)

Opponents argued that the move violated the constitution. Nkurunziza countered by citing his first-time election mechanism, which came through the parliament and not by a popular vote.

Street violence ensued, nonetheless. There was also a failed coup attempt in May.

Nkurunziza took part in last month’s presidential election and won an outright victory in the vote, which was boycotted by the opposition.

The result was rejected by the main opposition parties, but one of its leading members, Agathon Rwasa, agreed to take the post of deputy parliamentary speaker in a bid to promote reconciliation.

According to the United Nations, at least 94 people have been killed in Burundi since the crisis began in April.

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